Canford School Overview
Canford School is a leading co-educational independent school located in Dorset, south-west England. Set within 250 acres of landscaped parkland, the campus includes a striking castle designed by Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament.
Founded over 90 years ago, Canford is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and part of the Eton Group. While it is less well known among families in Hong Kong, it is highly regarded within the UK.
The school offers both A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U in the Sixth Form. Entry is competitive, and in some cases, interviews must be conducted in the UK.
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Canford School Courses And Programmes
Canford School aims to inspire young people to use their educational experience to make positive difference to their own lives, and to the lives of others. It places great importance on recruiting and developing high quality staff and students have excellent academic achievement. In average, more than 80% of students achieved A*-B in A-Level and Pre-U in the past five years. Among them, more than 45 students were accepted by Oxford University and Cambridge University.
Sixth Form
Canford’s Sixth Form offers a strong academic foundation combined with personal development and future planning. Students usually take four A Level subjects in the Lower Sixth, and most continue with three in the Upper Sixth.
Class sizes are small, encouraging discussion and independent thought in a seminar-style setting. A wide range of subjects is available, including:
- Art
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Drama
- Economics
- English Literature
- French
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics and Further Maths
- Music
- Philosophy and Theology
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics
- Spanish
Other modern languages are also available for an additional cost. Students benefit from expert teaching, enrichment opportunities, and access to modern facilities.
GCSE
The GCSE curriculum at Canford is broad and balanced. Most pupils take ten subjects, building a strong academic base ahead of Sixth Form study.
Core and optional subjects include:
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- French, Spanish, and other modern languages
- Art
- Business
- Classical Civilisation
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Drama
- Geography
- History
- Music
- Philosophy and Theology
- Physical Education
Canford School Fees
School Fees (from 1 January 2025)
Boarding: £17,153 per term (incl. VAT)
£51,459 per year (incl. VAT)Day: £12,997 per term (incl. VAT)
£38,991 per year (incl. VAT)
Canford School Application Deadline
Prospective pupils for Year 12 typically begin the process in Year 10 or 11. Key dates include:
Year 10 Open Morning – April
Year 11 Open Morning – October
Registration Deadline – Mid-October of Year 11
Entrance Assessments – November of Year 11
Offers Made – December
A Level Subject Choices Submitted – January of Year 11
Familiarisation Day for Offer Holders – June
Start of Sixth Form (Year 12) – September
Canford School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Canford is primarily a boarding school, with most pupils choosing to board. Around 70% of boarders stay on site over the weekends to take part in a wide range of organised activities. The school has seven boarding houses: 4 for boys and 3 for girls. Each of these houses provide a structured and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to feel at home.
Pastoral care is a key focus at Canford. The school places strong emphasis on communication between the pupil, parents, and staff, believing this three-way relationship is central to a pupil’s wellbeing and success. Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a team of tutors and domestic staff who play an active role in the day-to-day care of the pupils.
Canford School Extracurricular Activities
Throughout their time at Canford, pupils are encouraged to develop their intellect and imagination beyond the classroom. To support this, the school offers a broad co-curricular programme that fosters academic, cultural, and personal growth. For example, notable events include the annual Festival of Ideas each October, followed by the post-GCSE Cultural Immersion programme for Year 11 pupils. Additionally, thanks to its location less than 30 minutes from the coast, the school regularly organises beach trips. Moreover, community service plays a strong role in school life, with pupils involved in over 30 community action programmes each year.
